Bradford has been awarded the City of Culture UK 2025.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries announced the winner at The One Show in Coventry, beating competition from County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham Country Borough.
The title winner is awarded every four years, with Coventry previously holding the title.
Robbie Moore, who is the Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, part of Bradford County, said the announcement was a “testament to the hard work of so many people in our community.”
“This is great news for our whole area and will be an incredible economic boost for our area,” she added, while Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, said 2025 would be a “proper showcase” for the culture in Bradford.
“No city deserves this anymore. As one of the youngest and most diverse places in the UK, Bradford will benefit greatly from this platform to highlight all it has to offer,” he said.
The final list for 2025 was compiled from a group of 20 bids, which also included Cornwall, Derby, Stirling and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.
Winning the title helps to improve the visibility of the area, boost its local economy and put it in the cultural spotlight, encouraging long-term participation in the arts and the growth of local tourism.
Ms Dorries also announced that for the first time runners-up will receive a £ 125,000 grant.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated Bradford on Twitter, writing: “This title is based on the rich history and dynamism of the city, providing investment and opportunities for everyone who lives and works there.”
Since winning the title in 2021, Coventry has seen more than £ 172 million invested in funding for music concerts and the UK’s first permanent immersive digital art gallery, said the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sports, plus £ 500 million for the city’s regeneration. .
Derry / Londonderry in Northern Ireland first won the title in 2013, followed by Hull in 2017.